^lll 




Class IP„S. 
Copight]^»_l_Ml 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSrr 



POEMS. 



George Warren Parker 



J. JPhaneuf & Son 

CONCORD, N. H. 
1909. 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two CoDies Received 

MAh 25 W^ 

J. Copyriitnt Entry 
CLASS CU ^Xc. Nu, 
COPY 3. 






Copyright. 1909 
George Warren Parker 



TO THE MEMORY OF MY MOTHER 

THIS BOOKT.ET IS 

Btfectionatcli? 2)cWcate^. 



Go forth, thou little tome, 

To mingled scorn and praise. 

Fond idle musings told 

In brief poetic lays) 

Perchance, some heart thou'lt cheer, 

Some mind, perhaps, offend | 

But with good will for all, 

Thou must attain thine end. 



REASON'S RP:PLY, 



Oh, would I were back in the heyday of youth, 

When life was so happ3^ so careless and free. 

With jo3^ unrestrained, and in pleasure 

abounding-, 

And naught but the beauty in all things to 

see. 

Cease noiu this cavil and querulous moaning. 
Awake in young niauJiood a purpose in life. 
Seize rich opportunities ^ round thee thick 

/yin,g 
And, rising from doubt, go forth to the 

strife. 

To snatch the Promethean fire from Heaven, 
To wake latent powers that ne'er will in- 
crease, 

To see beyond reach the prize of one's calling 
Is worse than to linger in Lotus-land ease. 

Leave self in the background, the zvorld 
place before thee. 

And do what thou canU zuhere'er there is 
need; 

If thou hast true zuorth, the zvorld zvill de- 
mand it. 

And if thou contribute, then rich is thy 
7need. 



THE CALL. 



All hail to the man of power and action, 
Who dares do the ri^^ht whatever ma}- oppose; 
No slave to blind fashion, mere vag"ary's 

fancy. 
No thrall to the monarch's unreasonable 

word. 

The man of hi^^h thouo-ht and rig-hteous en- 
deavor, 
Who loyally stands for truth, come what will, 
Who moves not from fear nor asks any favor, 
But seeks to keep honor and duty fulfill. 

Our country cries now for men of such mettle, 
To see the real need, the dang-ersto face, 
Beat back Error's ranks and quickly deliver 
To Truth's fairer standard her Titan-bred 
race. 



WASHINGTON. 



Noblest and best of the primates of nations, 
Scion of greatness, yet true friend of all. 
Leader, like Moses, of a people afflicted, 
Quick both to hear and to answer the call. 

He alone knew when all had misgiving-s, 
Buoj^ed up by faith his trust could not wane ; 
When the clouds gathered and friends were 

sore troubled, 
He was undaunted, resourceful and sane. 

His was no selfish or sordid ambition; 
Priceless his work, yet ne'er asked he aug-ht; 
Bearing- the woes of a land on his shoulders, — 
Such is the price with which freedom is 
bought. 

When from misrule and war's devastation. 
He had a land and a people redeemed. 
Called by the g"rateful to g-overn the nation. 
So wise was his rule that a father he seemed. 



10 
WASHINGTON— Continued, 



Bred and inured to war's frowning- dang-ers, 
Bearing- himself while in office discreet, 
Yet loved he best the joys of the fireside, 
Peaceful Mount Vernon, his loved country 
seat. 

Long live his memory, enshrined in affection! 
Ours too the task which he but beg-un. 
Through future aeons the youth will catch 

fire. 
Learning- the deeds of our dear Washing-ton. 



THE DAILY DEED. 



The daily deed we deem but slig-ht. 
Though not rewarded here, 

May bring benighted souls the light 
And write our title clear. 



11 
SCORN NOT. 



Scorn not the man of low degree, 

In jeans or frock attired, 
Whatever be his race or creed, 

If with hig-h aims inspired. 

No one so high but he may fall — 
Dame Fortune is quite fickle — 

The proudest stalks oft suffer first 
And soonest feel the sickle. 

No child of God but has a heart 
And spirit that may smother 

By scoff or scorn, by jeer or frown. 
Treat kindly then your brother. 

Despise not thing's because they're small 

Or people In low station ; 
For oft we've seen these g-rown quite tall, 

The leaders of a nation. 

A kindly word, a friendly look. 

To one who does his duty. 
Transports one from this selfish world 

And makes life full of beauty. 



12 



MORPHEUS. 



Thou Son of Somnus, bring- sweet sleep 
And with its balm our eyelids steep; 
Fly worldly tasks, corroding- care, 
And waft us to Nirvana fair. 

Let castles, parks and lofty towers 
Delig-ht us in our vacant hours, 
Or jousts and tilts 'neath ladies' eyes 
Whose kind looks are the fairest prize. 

Or wend we to some shady grot. 

By sylph and woodland nymph oft sought; 

Or to Campania's fertile fields. 

Where fair Ausonia's best she yields. 

Or lead me by Alladin's lamp 

In realms of g-nomes. in dung-eons damp, 

In fairy land or desert isle. 

Where'er thou best canst time beg-uile. 

The fancy-dew of sleep we crave, 
And, wrapt in dreams as on the wave. 
O'er land and sea we'll gladly roam; 
With thee this niefht we'll make our home. 



13 



KINDNESS. 



It was onl^^ a smile of sj^mpathj' 

And a word from a friend held dear 

But, amid the gfrief of after life, 

It was these that broug-ht me cheer. 



14 



THE SAILOR'S LAMENT. 



I sat with 1113^ lo\-e b}' the ocean strand, 
On a brig-ht mid-summer da}^; 

The waves breaking- g-ently at our feet 
And the ships sailing proud and ga.j. 

The world and its beauty smiled at us 

And all nature looked so gay, 
The sky and the sea in one benison 

Seemed to bless our betrothal da}- . 

Then naug-ht cared I for the storm of life. 
Nor recked what the future held ; 

Enough that with her my life I shared — 
So we lived 'neath the magic spell. 

Alone I sit b}^ the moaning- sea, 

While the storm cloud broods the deep, 
But skies iridescent greet the form 

Of m3^ love in death asleep. 



15 



COOPERSTOWN. 



Fair Cooperstown by Glimmerg-lass, 
Otseg-o's cherished g-uardian ward! 

Thy beauty was in ages past 

By Cooper sung-, the Indian bard. 

The hills as wardens round thee stand, 
Reflected in the silvery sheen. 

While song- and leg-end doth unite 

To keep thy memory ever green. 

Here Leatherstocking- trod the wild, 
As Uncas, too, and Chingachg-ook; 

Here fancy sees the days of yore. 

Invests with lore each rock and nook. 

To whom thou owest thy fair fame, 
His ashes guard as sacred trust, 

A nation's, thine are all the same. 

Watch well his consecrated dust. 



16 



THE LOUISIANA EXPOSITION. 



Titanic wonder of the world, 
Where Progress does her flag* unfurl! 
Colossal monument to man, 
Which all admire, few understand! 
What Genius with prophetic power 
Could e'er foresee the auspicious hour, 
Or Sibyl could with dream foretell 
This crow^ning- work we prize so well? 

Enchanting" realm, bewitching' fair. 
With Circe's wand we're in thy powder; 
Thy castle-battlements and walls 
Enchanted hold us hour by hour. 
Naught real it seems, Elysian-like, 
And perfect all beyond compare; 
Thou hast the keys that can reveal 
All wisdom's store, so rich and fair. 

Supreme delig-ht ! Such sights as these 
Revive our drooping- hope and trust ; 
We know that God is over all. 
Since in all good, abide he must. 
Our nation for success and power 
Gives thanks to Him this gladsome hour; 
Louisiana's name all hail; 
Vive la patrie! Columbia, hail! 



17 
A SPRING MORNING. 



The shades of night take winged flight, 
The grej^ of early dawn draws nigh, 
A gloaming ushers in the light 
Which reigns throughout the vaulted sky. 

The sun's bright heralds reappear, 
Investing crag and dale with life ; 
All nature wakes and far and near 
The sounds of industry are rife. 

Forth from the city's heart there goes 
The factory's throng, inured to toil; 
He who earth's mysteries fully knows, 
Now deems it time to till the soil. 

And list! the sounds from shops and marts 
In unison peal forth a lay, 
Tribute devout from grateful hearts, 
For the return of welcome day. 

The lowing herds roam o'er the lea. 
The birds sing sweetly roundelays; 
All creatures are from sleep set free. 
And pour to God their ardent praise. 



18 

A SPRING UOR^mG,— Coulim/ed. 



Such is the spring-time of our life 
When, young- and fair with courag-e strong-, 
We see a vision, 'dure the strife, 
And plan to help the world along-. 

Then let no cloud of scorn or pride. 
Chill with its blig-ht the hopeful soul, 
But, warmed bj^ love with God allied. 
Attain the distant, cherished g-oal. 



SCATTER SUNSHINE. 



Scarce the honey dew of kindness, 
Priceless is the balm of love. 

Life-long- joy a look oft g-iveth. 

Endless pain the sharp reprove. 

Gentle words and kindly manners 
Cost no more than acts of scorn. 

Gain true friends and life is brig"hter. 
Making- men seem heaven-born. 



19 



THE DAWN. 



Darting: rays of g-olden ligfht, 
Scattering- vestiges of night, 
Ushering in the gladsome day, 
Making- nature fresh and gay. 

Wakes man now to new-found pleasure, 
Life abounds in fullest measure, 
Every dumb, created thing 
Fain would of its joy now sing-. 

Sparkling dew on blade and tree. 
Growing- wheat upon the lea, 
Modest floweret by the brook. 
Every hill and dale and nook 

Vivified with a new leaven. 
Utter psalms of praise to heaven; 
Far and near the anthem swells 
Of their g^ratitude it tells. 



20 

A PASTORAL. 



Out from 1113^ window o'er the green 
I view a quiet, pastoral scene, 
The mottled cows are browsing* there, 
A part of nature fresh and fair; 
'Neath azure skj^ a peaceful calm 
Pervades the old New England farm ; 
The birds are hushed ; the maple trees 
Are not disturbed by faintest breeze. 

The haze that skirts yon rugged peak, 
The sunlight playing hide and seek. 
The river like a silver thread, 
Slow-flowing in its deep blue bed; 
The varied hues on yon green hill. 
The locust with his notes so shrill. 
The luring shade of maples near, 
Like old-time friends, to me are dear. 

Let others choose the city's strife, 
Who know not joys of country life; 
For me, God dwells in flower and tree. 
His marks of love I daily see. 
Though plain our fare, we have good health, 
Know not the cares of men of wealth ; 
While others choose the world to roam. 
Let me enjoy my rural home. 



21 



SUMMER. 



To wander 'neath the leaiy bower, 
Pluck from its stem the frag-rant flower, 
Sail o'er the lake with g-entle breeze, 
Roam throug^h the forest and the leas. 

To ang-le by the shady brook, 
The mottled trout take from the hook. 
To bathe on ocean's silvery strand. 
With salt sea-breezes g-ently fanned, 

To climb yon towering precipice. 
Or thread the path by dark abyss, — 
By torrid day or starry nig-ht. 
The g-ladsome summer g-ives delig-ht. 



22 

AUTUMN DAYS. 



A mild and pleasant autumn calm 
Succeeds the torrid, summer day; 
The varied shades o'er hill and dell 
Show winter's harbing-er holds sway. 

In gflory such as fall invests, 

Dame Nature g-ives her benison 

Ere she, too soon, doffs her bright robes. 

The g-arb of virgin white to don. 

All praise to Spring's exuberant life 
And give to Summer her due meed. 
But Autumn g-ives with bounteous hand 
The things we all have greatest need. 

The carts go laden to the barn. 
The gleaners gather in the wheat, 
The granary holds its golden hoard, 
The farmer's joy is now complete. 

The prudent housewife lays in store 
For wintry days when fields are white; 
The merry youth hold husking bees. 
Which, as of old, afford delig^ht. 



23 

AUTUMN. 



O'er hill and g-len is seen again 

The earth in varied hue; 
In brig-ht array, look where we may, 

Full joyous is the view. 
The fruitful land on every hand 

Teems with its bounteous store; 
The wheat and corn from fields late shorn 

Is heaped on threshing- floor. 
Now husking bees and merry glees 

Call swain and maid together; 
The baying hound whose notes resound 

Proclaims 'tis hunting weather. 
In crimson, brown or yellow gown 

The trees stand richly clad, 
And why should I, 'neath clearest sky. 

Forsooth, be grave or sad? 
The mellow^ tone when summer's gone 

Is fair as vernal green; 
Earth's youthful age becomes more sage 

And wears a sober mien. 



24 



THANKSGIVING. 



We g"ive Thee thanks for freedom's boon, 
A Christian land, the word of God; 

That from war's ravage we're immune, 
Nor need we fear the oppressor's rod. 

We g-ive Thee thanks that in these daj-s 
Thy noblest works we contemplate. 

And know more of the mysteries 

That aeons since Thou did'st create. 

We g-ive Thee thanks for shelter, food, 

And all Thy mercies toward mankind; 

The higher life, the clearer view. 
The revelation of Thy mind. 

We give Thee thanks for noble friends. 
For strength sufficient for our task. 

For love and world-wide sympathy. 

And grace far more than we can ask. 

We give Thee thanks for promise sweet 
That with Thyself we soon shall be, 

Forgetting things of time and sense. 
In bliss to spend eternity. 



25 



WINTER. 



The earth in peaceful rest now lies, 
Her canop3, rich azure skies; 
Her shroud, fresh-fallen virg-in snow; 
While 'round the ice-capped rivers flow. 

But list ! the sleig-hbells joyous peal. 
The skaters fly on blades of steel, 
The coasters utter shouts of mirth, — 
For winter has of fun no dearth. 



SUCCESS. 



Success consists in doing- well 
The menial tasks each day; 

The hero in life's battle stern 
Must win the petty fray. 



26 

LABOR DAY. 



See the sons of toil advancing-, 
^^ Labor omnia vinciV^ true ; 

Honest, fearless, noble labor. 

In their paths bright g-arlands strew. 

Here the leather-aproned blacksmith. 
Browned with heat of forge is he; 

Wielders of the plane and bevel 
And the painters next we see. 

Railroad men both tried and trusty. 
Barbers in immaculate white, 

Factory hands from various workshops, 
Clerks well clad with faces bright. 

And with these a mighty army 

Called from everj^ walk in life. 

Men on whom our nation's welfare 
Rests in time of peace or strife. 

Such men know the worth of labor. 
Pillars of the state are they ; 

Home and fireside they cherish. 
And their country's call obey. 



27 
ACHIEVE. 



Achieve ! thy deeds shall best refute 
The critics scorn, the scoffer's sneer; 
Make g-ossip's cavilling" babel mute, 
And write thy title bold and clear. 

Achieve ! thou w^ast not God-like made 
To g-rovel midst insensate things. 
To doubt thy strength, of man afraid, 
Who hast the dignity of kings. 

Achieve ! the baser guard the rear, 
Thy place is ever in the van ; 
A leader be where others fear. 
Nor fail to act thy part — a man. 

Achieve ! thy King" doth hold a crown 
For thee, if thou wilt serve mankind, 
And, g-rander far, thou 'It be His own 
And share with Christ the Master's mind, 



28 



SCHOOL CHILDREN. 



Laug-hing;, prattling- on their wa3% 

Ever happ3', ever gay, 
Swing-ing" books in merry g^lee, 

Whistling- tunes of melody, 
Scattering- sunshine as they g-o, 

With their faces all ag-low, 
Trim and neat they pass me by 

As to school the}^ quickly hie. 

Going- early there to play. 

Some till sound of bell delay; 
'Round their teacher g-athered near, 

Many g-ive a welcome cheer; — 
Tribute g-reater none can ask 

To the value of one's task; 
Happy all with one accord. 

Richer far than earthly lord. 

Youth's heyday I now recall, 

When to school and college hall 
I was sent, by friends, to learn 

Tasks I thoug-ht, like you, quite stern 
These now seem like diamonds rare; 

Treasure them with tenderest care. 
Would I went to school once more. 

Wisdom's secrets to explore ! 



29 
SCHOOL CHILDREN.— 6b;///;//^^^. 



Then, oh children, play and sing-. 

Make the air with gladness ring", 
Chase dull care with laug-hter far, 

Let your pleasure nothing- mar; 
Learning-'s heig-hts maj^ you attain ! 

School days ne'er return ag-ain; 
Precious moments richly fraught. 

Which, once spent, cannot be boug-ht. 



TO THE NAVY. 



We pledg-e this toast 

To the g-uards of our coast 

And the sailors who love dear "old glory"; 
Both living- and dead. 
May their deeds by us read 

Cause their names to shine bright in our story. 



30 




31 



MY OLD HOME. 



Upon the city's crowded street, 

Old-fashioned, quaint, serene; 
Like Druid oak in maple g-rove, 

A strang-er to the scene. 
Stood the old house and time-worn barn. 

My home in early youth ; 
There comfort like sweet incense spread 

Throughout its frame uncouth. 

The leaning fence, the lilacs fair, 

The well-kept garden plot 
By elms o'erspread whose foster care 

Kept cool the favored spot ; 
With these I see the slanting roof, 

The tarnished knocker, too. 
The modest window panes so small, 

The hearth and spacious flue. 

But lo ! the ruthless hand of man 

This vestige of the Past 
Has claimed to rear a shrine to Pride. 

What storm and angry blast 
Could not avail, at length is wrought. 

Its history now is sealed ; 
Its memory lives, for there it was 

Life's meaning was revealed. 



32 

OLD HOME DAY ODE. 



With hearts that beat with gratitude, 
From ever 37 clime and latitude, 

We hail with praise, no platitude, 

New Hampshire's Old Home Da^'. 

New Switzerland ! All hail to thee. 
Fair state of truth and libert3^; 

As proof of our sincerity, 

We cherish Old Home Day. 

In every land, on every sea, 

Thy sons will celebrate as we ; 

So that the world may clearl}- see 
The worth of Old Home Day. 

Dear Granite State ! No empt}^ Islj 

Can half thy worth or fame portray 

To show our love best, we all may 
Observe thy Old Home Day. 



33 



OLD HOME WELCOME. 



New Hampshire's children g-athered here 
Ag-ain join hands in festive cheer; 
Their g-lad reunion naug-ht shall mar, 
We welcome home those from afar. 

Bright bonfires g^leam on every height, 
The merry chimes peal with delight. 
The populace, in garments gay, 
Observes New Hampshire's holiday. 

The aged sire in cheery tone 
Now greets his son to manhood grown; 
And friends returned from every state 
Their varied fortunes soon relate. 

The crane, tin-kitchen, fireplace. 
Logs, andirons stout with brazen face, 
The well-sweep, spinning wheel and loom, 
Like rare antiques, great worth assume. 

New Hampshire's soil and hardy clime 
Make sturdy men, who every time 
Stand for the Union's weal, like Stark 
Or Webster, sage in times so dark. 

This mutual heritage we share. 

And when we raise our evening prayer 

To him who o'errules all then say: 

"We thank Thee, Lord, for Old Home Day" 



34 

AT THE OLD HOME. 



Well, how does the old home seem, John? 

It has chang"ed since 3^011 went away; 
Where the saw-mill stood b}^ the river, 

A big- factory is running^ to-da3^ 

The woodland we sold last autumn 
And the crops are so lig"ht this j^ear 

That 'tis hard to foretell what the winter 
Ma3^ cost us, since everything-'s dear. 

Your father and I have been feeble, 
We have labored hard on the farm, 

But the Lord who has thus far led us 

Will preserve us from want and all harm. 

'Tis an honest life, that of the farmer, 
And, though early and late one must toil, 

We'reour masters, and not mere machinery, 
And 'tis healthful tilling the soil. 

The house ought soon to be shingled 
And the barn and shed need repair, 

But it's pleasant here on the old farm 

'Mid surrounding's that now seem so fair. 



35 ' 
AT THE OLD HOMK ~ Co j^l/,med. 



I'm g-lad you like down in Boston 
But for me its bustle and strife 

And its fierce competition are nothing- 
When compared to the calm country life. 

You'll g-o back to the city soon, John, 
And engage in the struggle for bread; 

Always heed the advice of the Book, John, 
And remember the words I have said. 

And if you should prosper in business 
And with God's bounty are fed, 

Don't let the old farm run to waste, John, 
When your father and mother are dead. 

HOME. 



A talisman from ill, 

A charm that casts its spell, 

A name that e'er will thrill 

Where Love and Virtue dwell; 

A shrine where God is found, 

A school without a tome, 

Go search the whole world round 

No word so loved as home. 



36 



THE PICNIC. 



Come, Jane, lix up the children. 

In their g-o-to-meetin' best; 
For we're going" downt' the picnic 

In the park near Joseph West's. 
The grang^ers and the countrj^ folk, 

For miles, I understand. 
Are coming" with their families, 

And the speaking- will be g-rand. 

The master and the lecturer 
Will talk on g-range affairs; 
The parson's down for a little speech 
On "The Good Wheat and the Tares" 
(They know more'n he 'bout wheat and 
crops. 
Though he's been through all the 
schools); 
The agricultural prof, will speak 
On"TheGrangeand our State Schools." 

Then there's the representative. 
They expect the senator, too; 

I guess we'll all be tired 

When these harangues are through; 



37 
THE VlC^lC— Continued. 



But you put up the luncheon, 

I'll harness up the mare ; 
And we'll take in the picnic, 

For such treats here are rare. 

They say that there'll be running, 

Greased pig and three-leg-gred race; 
There's a trot for the three-minute class, 

I'll bet on Boniface. 
The boys will have a ball g-ame; 

There'll be fireworks at night. 
And there'll be a thousand people there 

To view the glorious sight. 

Old Home Day should come every year, 

'Tis a mighty fine idea — 
For we shall see our city friends 

Who have come to visit here. 
You've got the children ready now? 

Well, they certainly look sweet; 
ril fetch the team in a jiffy. 

And we'll take in the treat. 



38 

OLD HOME DAY POEM. 



In response to an invitation by the citizens of his birthplace. 
Canaan, N. H., the author wrote the following Hnes for the 
town's observance of Old Home Day. 

While with t>-lorious pag"eant honored, 
Louisiana's name all now revere, 

Let us g-ratefully remember 

Scenes long" since to us g^rown dear. 

Not in mart or din of forum, 
Is our countrj^'s vig-or found ; 

But in simple, rural comfort; 

Sterling- men, tho' barren g"round. 

Scotia's bard and Goldsmith echo 

Wordsworth's praise of country life; 

Sweeter far the heart of nature 
Than the city's g-reed and strife. 

Such our native state. New Hampshire, 

Mother of a noble breed; 
Oft' her sons have led in council, 

Oft' they've foug-ht in time of need. 

To her rock-ribbed hills and mountains, 
To her lakes and verdant dales. 

Hosts of tourists yearly wander 

And their sang^uine hopes naught fails. 



39 



OLD HOME DAY POKM—Gm/inued. 



Thou too, Canaan, share the homag^e 
We thy children pay to-da3\ 

May thy sons still win fresh honors 
And from duty's path ne'er stra}^ 

'Neath old Cardigan's protection, 
By the Mascoma's gentle stream, 

Many lives of noble purpose 
Aid God's universal scheme. 

Here our happiest days of childhood, 
Here our richest work as men; 

Ever fresh her varied beauty. 
Ever dear each knoll and glen. 

Though in distant climes we wander, 

Lovingl}^ we turn to thee; 
Naught supplants the early fancy. 

No more favored spot we see. 

Then, dear townsmen, g^athered hither 

To renew the ties of j^ore, 
Shed a tear for friends gone from us; 

Greet those present now once more. 



40 



OLD HOME DAY VOEM—Con/iuued, 



Visit still again the homestead, 

If perchance it yet remains, 
Find the spots so loved and sacred. 

All the pastures, nooks and lanes. 

Banish care and flee from labor, 
As the home of youth we seek; 

Time's well spent and fraug-ht with profit 
In this gladsome Old Home Week. 

Precious is the bond of friendship. 
Precious are the scenes we love; 

Likest to the fair Utopia, 
Nearest to the realm above. 

New friends ne'er replace the old ones. 
Strong the tie by which they're bound. 

True the smile and warm the handshake, 
Naught more true on earth is found. 

When we gather in the future 

And loved faces vainly seek, 
Sweet the memory of this meeting, 

Dear will seem our Old Home Week. 



41 



THE HERO. 



Not Csesar, praised by every ag-e, 
Nor Bonaparte of Iron nerve ; 
Not Socrates, the Grecian sag-e, 
Nor Cato, whom no fear could swerve ; 
Not Cromwell, England's Ironside, 
Nor Washing-ton, first of the free — 
Enroll the g^reat that live and died, 
Nor 'mongst these will the hero be. 

Not in the forum, camp, or mart, 
But quite withdrawn from scenes of strife, 
Unknown to fame, an humble part 
He plays in the g-reat drama. Life. 
For those at home he toils and strives. 
Nor questions aug-ht nor reasons why 
Some plod and suffer all their lives. 
Some in their pride of wealth do vie. 

With faith in Him who rules above. 
With firm resolve and honest mien, 
Disdaining- hardship, moved by love, 
No Mammon-slave but strong-, serene; 
In shop or field, where'er he be. 
He lives a sermon every day; 
At work he sings as sing- the free, 
And thus cheers others on their wa}^ 



42 
THE HERO- CoutiuuecL 



As g-loaming- deepens Into nig-ht, 

I[e homeward turns and g-reets with smiles 

His wife and children. How the sight 

Of these all toil and care beguiles! 

The evening meal, then those most dear 

Climb on his knees, a tale to hear; 

We hail this man with humble cheer 

The hero true, earth's noblest peer. 

THE DAY. 



A casket filled with diamonds rare. 
Which all should guard with greatest care, 
E'er mindful as the moments g^o 
Some act of kindness we may show. 

Each scintillating bit is fraught 
With blessing, pain as we have wrought; 
Nor need we for the nuggets look. 
Unless the gold dust first we took. 

Each moment has a wealth in store. 
And we shall profit, less or more, 
As we each flying minute prize 
And find in it our future lies. 



43 



MOTHER. 



No one e'er loved with such depth of devotion, 
She best our homag^e and service can claim 
Who throui>-h our infanc}^ soothed and caressed 

us, 
Throug-h life's varied phases was ever the 

same. 

All down youth's pathway her hand g-ently 

led us, 
Life's truest meaning- she soug-ht to impart, 
Lessons of patience, of faith and endeavor 
Were then implanted by her in our heart. 

Later througfh years of rip? manhood she 

watched us, 
Feeling* a pride o'er the g-ood that we wrougrht ; 
Sharing- our g-riefs, in our pleasure delig-hting-. 
Ne'er mindfulof self but of us was her thoug-ht. 

Honor, thrice honor, the blest name of mother, 
She who our lives didst fashion with care; 
Hers is a place to be filled by no other. 
No one in love and true worth can compare. 



44 




45 



SUNBEAMS. 



Whither going-, pretty sunbeams, 
On what cheerful mission bent? 
Were you for my joy and comfort 
By the g"od of sunshine sent? 

In 3^our cheeks the blush of morning". 
In your eyes its lustre bright; 
Like the dawn, fresh hope thou bringest, 
Driving far the gloom of night. 

Life and hope is in thee teeming, 
Iris-hued all things appear; 
May no ill thj^ dreams o'ershadow, — 
Laugh and play without a fear. 

Welcome then, ye little children! 
Work shall wait while you are nigh ; 
Who can grudge a single moment. 
When ye heal the hearts that sigh? 

Must ye haste, ye transient sunbeams? 
Is this drone too dull for you? 
Thanks for what you have imparted. 
Go and others' joy renew. 



46 



TO THE PRESIDENTIAL RANGE. 



Ye towering- crag's by storms oft' beat, 
Where earth and heaven s^em to meet, 
Time-worn and scarred, whose jag"g"ed peaks 
The sun, oft'-baffled, ever seeks; 
Thy beauteous form and varying hue 
No artist's skill can call to view. 

Th}' base is bathed in sunshine bright, 
Th3^ peaks in mist oft' hid from sight, 
Like sentinels placed o'er the land, 
Unmoved thou dost forever stand; 
No castle, fort or mig^hty tower 
Displays such grace combined with power. 

Upheaved by primal force, thy length 

Displays a beauty and a strength ; 

Enhanced by glade, bold cliff and brook. 

The deep ravine and shady nook. 

All lesser peaks a fealt\" pay. 

Thou Titan forms that stand for aye. 

B_v worthy names we speak of thee, 
The men who made our history; 
As time rolls on, we oft' shall g"aze 
At thee with mingled awe and praise. 
And long from care to steal away 
With thee to pass a summer da3\ 



A PRAYER. 



Not for more lig"ht, Thy Word divine 
With radiant beams the orbs outshine; 
Each spring-ing- blade, each leaf and flower 
Proclaims Thj^ power from hour to hour. 

All matter doth Thy presence feel, 
Created forms Thy will reveal, 
No sentient being- can deny 
His soul is linked to God's on high. 

Not for more knowledg-e but more love, 
A firmer will, streng-th from above 
To act as we know how, O Lord, 
And faith to take Thee at Thy word. 

Free us from error, self, and sin. 
Let heavenly visions enter in, 
That we in all the gfood maj^ see 
Shaped for a noble destiny. 

Grant that our souls, from cant set free, 
May, more than creed, Thyself e'er see ; 
And may its broader view embrace 
Our brethren of whatever race. 



48 



OUR GUIDE. 



We grope but blindl^^ here below, 
Oppressed with doubt and fear, 

Thoug-h from the first Thy Word doth show 
Thou hast been ever near. 

How weak is man, how small his faith. 

By winds of doctrine tossed. 
Who seeks by reason to find God, 

In endless mazes lost! 

Thy Spirit hath in ages past 

A beacon been to all. 
And still Thou wilt the needy bless 

And all who on Thee call. 

When at the parting of the ways 

We stand confused in mind. 
In Thine own Truth's illumined rays 

May we true comfort find. 

Show us the way to live in Christ 

A life from sin made free; 
Show us the way with purer faith 

Thy Holy Will to see. 



49 



THE CHIMES. 



On a clear and starlight evening", 
Love I well to hear the chime 

Of the church bells gentl}^ pealing, 
Telling all 'tis God's own time. 

How they seem to joy in singing 
Of the love the Master feels. 

Of the glad news of salvation, — 

Wondrous things the chime reveals! 

In notes rhythmical and pleasing, 

Voice they tunes my heart loves dear 

All the hallowed hymns of childhood. 
Some that bring new hope and cheer. 

In my walk I pause and listen 
To the notes so clear and sweet. 

Till it seems the angels bending 
In refrain the sounds repeat. 

Is the music up in heaven 

Sweeter than the chiming bells? 

Here, at least, I know no better; 
Joy and peace to all it tells. 



50 
MY BOOKS. 



Round me a silent brotherhood 

In converse sweet afford delight; 

With meaning- clear, thej' suit each mood, 

And oft' we chat half through the night. 

Their smiling faces well reveal 

The jo}^ they know, the treasured mind; 

To him whose sympathy they feel. 

They prove sage teachers true and kind. 

Here Ovid sings of Earth's first age; 
The Trojan war, by Homer told; 
Aeneas' quest by Vergil sage ; 
And Horace's Odes, worth more than gold. 
Demosthenes' "Upon the Crown," 
And Cicero, the matchless peer; 
Rome's history, by her Livy told. 
And Caesar, who ne'er knew a fear. 

Here Italy's incarnate mind. 

Who of the three-fold world did write; 

Plain Chaucer, first of English bards. 

And Avon's son, divinest light. 

With these, as henchmen, stand a horde 

Of lesser names who fealty pay; 

In many lands they homage claim 

And to Truth's fount they point the way. 



51 
A DREAM. 



One had a dream and by that dream 
Newworldswerefound, fresh conquests made; 
One had a dream of martial power, 
All Europe shook neath hosts arrayed. 

A dream made Pilg-rims dare to cross 
The trackless waste here to remain; 
It was a dream that sent a word 
Around the world and back ag^ain. 

A dream bequeathes new faiths, new schools, 
New arts, new customs, and new laws; 
A dream will make men dare the scorn 
Of their compeers, e'en death for cause. 

A dream, the most ethereal thing-. 
Has yet o'erturned the monarch's seat, 
Brought in a better state of thing's 
When new ideas met sure defeat. 

A vision cherished in the soul, 
Its worth no seer can e'er foretell. 
The dreamer scorned may turn the scale 
And prove the doer praised so well. 



52 



SCHOOL DAYS. 



How oft through life our mind reverts 

To the happy days of youth, 
To the many pleasant hours spent 

In the quest of cherished truth ! 
E'en now I see the modest room 

And the teacher kind and true, 
The scholars bending- o'er their task, 

And the playground fair to view. 

The benches carved with curious art. 

And the ceiling stuccoed o'er; 
The stoves that lent their welcome heat 

When the wintry wind did roar; 
The boards where problems oft we wrought, 

On the desk the globe and bell. 
The ferule, and, quite near, the switch 

Which we all remember well. 

How fast the days sped by as we 

Played our games and romped at will! 
The school-room was no prison-house, 

And its charm is with us still; 
We loved our teacher and schoolmates 

So we strove our best to do. 
To win the headmarks or the prize, 

Sought by many, gained by few. 



53 



SCHOOL 'DAYS— Cojithiued, 



The friendships of those youthful days 

Were enriched as years flew by : 
Their memor}' now, like incense sweet, 

Is a J03^ that will not die; 
Now far apart we've drifted nor 

May we ever meet again, 
But we know all do their dut^^ 

And the highest gfood attain. 



SOUL LONGINGS. 



Whence come these longing's of the soul 

Which nothing- mortal satisfies, 
Transcending- this terrestrial mould 

And claiming kinship with the skies? 
Not from within these high desires; 

Some power divine, supremely grand, 
Lights in our hearts the sacred fires. 

Vouchsafing heavenl}^ J03^s to man. 



54 



OUR BATTLESHIP. 



Pride of the Granite State, queen of the ocean, 
Gladly we bring- thee our tribute of praise; 
Long- may thy banner unfurled tohig-h heaven 
Be a true sign of Columbia's ways. 

Safe in thy panoply, firm and unyielding-. 
Proclaim afar the mig-ht of the free; 
Anxiously beating-, our hearts will be with 

thee, 
Sail thou. New Hampshire, o'er destiny's sea. 

From his hig-h station, the Man of the Moun- 
tain 

Will note thy course o'er the blue, trackless 
waste ; 

Naught shall assail thee but we share thy 
dang-er. 

When we are imperilled, to us thou wilt haste. 

Hence, then, away on thine errand of mercy^ 
Christened for service in war or in peace. 
Herald of freedom to nations in darkness, 
Pledere of our aid in their sorrow's surcease. 



55 



SONG OF THE FAIRIES. 



When the snow has taken flight 
And the earth affords delig-ht, 
When the moon sheds mellow light 
And fond lovers stroll by night, 
Then we trip with dainty grace 
From our sheltered hiding place, 

Stealthily, stealthily, O. 

Where the trees in serried row 
Cast a grateful shade below, 
Where the streams most swiftlj' flow 
And the cooling breezes blow. 
There we often do repair, 
Hover in the trees and air, 

Daintily, daintily, O. 

We who know no care nor toil 
Trip it lightly o'er the soil, 
Spin our airy spirit coil. 
Laugh aloud, old age to foil. 
Lightly dance our mystic measure 
With no thought but selfish pleasure, 

Merrily, merrily, O. 



56 
THE EARTH. 



God's footstool, proof of love divine, 

His priceless g-ift to man, 
Of stately fanes, the fairest shrine 

Where in His courts we stand. 

The starr3^ skj^ the earth and sea, 

The peak and verdant dell. 
The flower and blade, the herb and tree, 

Of His g-reat merc}^ tell. 

The feathered songster chirps its \a.j, 

The beasts are in His care ; 
Should not man own His g^entle sway, 

Who made all thing's so fair? 

In nature is God's spirit shown, 

Its law is but His will; 
Its varied forms, His aspect mild; 

Its ends. His plan fulfill. 



57 
PLYMOUTH. 



A Pilgrim band here on a barren shore 
The Vestal fire brought to burn forevermore; 
Thrice blest the nation with such men as sires, 
Who risked their lives in persecution's fires. 

Sublime their faith, their purpose firm and 

true; 
With courag*e strong-, the}^ left the old for new; 
Church of their fathers, for a simpler creed; 
Land of their birth, for barren waste and need. 

They toiled and wroug-ht and through the lapse 

of years 
A gift bequeathed, enriched b}^ hopes and 

fears. 
What they with suffering, faith, and patience 

bought. 
We allshould guard ;b3^ them we may be taught. 

And when Clark Isle and Manomet we view. 
The rock, and all the spotsour forebears knew, 
We stand in awe and silently we give 
Our thanks to those who, dead, in memory live. 



58 



JUDGMENT. 



No faculty so scarce possessed, so often 

exercised, 
As that by which both g^reat and small are 

daily criticised ; 
Each deems himself quite competentnor is he 

disinclined 
To sit in courts of justice, his neighbor's 

faults to find. 

A verj' few this gift possess ; all others should 

forbear, 
Nor seek with envious malice another to 

ensnare; 
The finely chiselled marble may be ruined at 

a blow ; 
Aid him who builds the temple, sit not in the 

scorners' row. 

Three traits all judges true possess ; in them 

we ought to find 
Unbiassed will, full knowledge, and the calm, 

judicial mind. 
Is this too much to ask of those by whom we 

rise or fall? 
They who cannot reg-ard the law should not 

attempt at all. 



59 
JUDGMENT— Continued. 



True judgrnent is so rare a thing- its worth 

we cannot measure; 
Just criticism, fair and true, we all should 

hig-hlj^ treasure; 
To gfossip's venom lend no ear, in it no g"ood 

is found ; 
Weig-h equally the g"ood and bad and your 

judg-ment will be sound. 



CONTENTMENT. 



Not in the palace of the great 
Nor yet in commerce mart, 

Is found the pearl of g-reatest price 
Much soug-ht by every heart; 

But in the rustic's hut, perchance, 
By elm and purling stream. 

Is found contentment — ^perfect rest- 
The envied monarch's dream. 



60 



OUR COUNTRY 



Child of the Ages, thou Hope of Mankind, 
The Mecca of all who seek Freedom's shrine. 
Land teeming- with promise, bright Star of the 

West, 
Humanity's vision, the spot we love best! 

Thou of all nations art wondrousl}^ blest; 
To thee fl}- all people for comfort and rest; 
Here find peace and plenty, full need of their 

aid, — 
B}^ currents diverse w^as our history made. 

Brief is thy story yet fair is the dawning; 
A glorious day is thine if the warning 
Of history's pages thou wilt closely heed. 
Hold firm to thy purpose, shun false pride and 
greed. 

Thine is the fair mission of helping the race 
To find its true strength, attain its right place; 
So that, in all things God's will may be done; 
The goal sought by others, by thee may be won. 



61 



CHEER UP! 



The sun shines brig-ht in the heavens, 

The earth holds her jubilee; 
What thoug-h thy part is a small one, 

The world is in need of thee. 

Thy heart may be rent with passion, 
Thy hope in humanity small; 

But will it ever avail thee 
To moan and deplore it all? 

The striving" will g"ive thee a blessing". 
The climbing- will lead to new heights. 

The ]oY of the g"ood thou art doing" 
Will fill thee with constant delig"hts. 

The future is rich with brig"ht promise; 

The wealth is for thee, if thou wilt; 
Thy brothers who rest from their labors 

Will ask thee, in turn, what thou built. 

Thy sorrow forg"et in new service. 
Thyself, in another's delig"ht; 

The tear drop in smiles will then g"listen, 
Thv weakness will turn into might. 



62 

BOATING SONG. 



The sky is clear, the best of weather, 
The moon is bright. Come, love, tog-ether 
Seek we the placid river's brink, 
Where nature's nectar one may drink. 

Rozv, rou\ measured and slozv^ 
O'er us the stars brightly gleaming ; 
Glide^ glide, onward we ride, 
Round us all nature is dreaming. 

Swift moves our boat; the sheet of blue 
Shall bear us on to scenes anew; 
'Neath shadowing- branches of the trees, 
We speed with zephyrs' gentlest breeze. 

'Tis sweet in pure content to gaze 
Through vistas' long and checkered maze; 
And think the thoughts we fain would tell, 
But need not as each reads them well. 

We row and drift with spirits high, 
Till waxing moon proclaims 'tis nigh 
The hour when Sleep rules o'er the race 
And we our course must soon retrace. 



CONTENTS. 















PAGE 


Reason's Reply . . . . 






7 


The Call 












8 


Washington 












9 


The Daily Deed 












10 


Scorn Not 












11 


Morpheus 












12 


Kindness 












13 


The Sailor's Lament 










14 


Cooperstown 










15 


The Louisiana Expositio 


n 








16 


A Spring- Morning- 










17 


Scatter Sunshine 










18 


The Dawn 












19 


A Pastoral 












20 


Summer 












21 


Autumn Days 












22 


Autumn 












23 


Thanksgiving- 












24 


Winter 












25 


Success 












25 


Labor Day 












26 


Achieve 












27 


School Children 












28 



To the Navy 

My Old Home 

Old Home Day Ode 

Old Home Welcome 

At the Old Home 

Home 

The Picnic 

Old Home Day Poem 

The Hero 

The Day 

Mother 

Sunbeams 

To the Presidential Rang-e 

A Prayer 

Our Guide 

The Chimes 

My Books 

A Dream 

School Days 

Soul Long-ing-s 

Our Battleship 

Song- of the Fairies 

The Earth 

Plymouth 

Judg-ment 

Contentment 

Our Country 

Cheer Up ! 

Boating- Song- 



I 



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LIBRARY OF 



CONGRESS 



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